U.S. patent number 9,293,032 [Application Number 11/618,017] was granted by the patent office on 2016-03-22 for two-way communication for control of an entertainment device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.. The grantee listed for this patent is William Michael Beals, Anthony George Dower, III, Joshua Alan Gatewood, Leslie Ann Harper, David Arthur Innes, Jan Johnson, John William Linebarger, Jr., Henry Gregg Martch, Matthew Paul Zenthoefer. Invention is credited to William Michael Beals, Anthony George Dower, III, Joshua Alan Gatewood, Leslie Ann Harper, David Arthur Innes, Jan Johnson, John William Linebarger, Jr., Henry Gregg Martch, Matthew Paul Zenthoefer.
United States Patent |
9,293,032 |
Linebarger, Jr. , et
al. |
March 22, 2016 |
Two-way communication for control of an entertainment device
Abstract
Systems and devices for controlling at least one entertainment
device include at least one remote in two-way communication with a
base device. Memories of the remote and the base device are
operable to store substantially the same data as the other such
that if the remote or base device fails, data in the memory of the
non-failing device is loaded into a memory of a replacement device.
A memory of a second remote may also store the same data as the
remote memory such that if either the first remote or the base
device fails, data in the memory of the second remote is loaded
into a memory of a replacement device.
Inventors: |
Linebarger, Jr.; John William
(Denver, CO), Dower, III; Anthony George (Parker, CO),
Martch; Henry Gregg (Parker, CO), Harper; Leslie Ann
(Highlands Ranch, CO), Johnson; Jan (Castle Rock, CO),
Innes; David Arthur (Littleton, CO), Gatewood; Joshua
Alan (Castle Rock, CO), Zenthoefer; Matthew Paul
(Centennial, CO), Beals; William Michael (Englewood,
CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Linebarger, Jr.; John William
Dower, III; Anthony George
Martch; Henry Gregg
Harper; Leslie Ann
Johnson; Jan
Innes; David Arthur
Gatewood; Joshua Alan
Zenthoefer; Matthew Paul
Beals; William Michael |
Denver
Parker
Parker
Highlands Ranch
Castle Rock
Littleton
Castle Rock
Centennial
Englewood |
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO
CO |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
(Englewood, CO)
|
Family
ID: |
39583107 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/618,017 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080158003 A1 |
Jul 3, 2008 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08C
23/04 (20130101); G08C 17/02 (20130101); G08C
2201/63 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G05B
11/01 (20060101); G08C 17/02 (20060101); G08C
23/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/825.72,5.64
;341/176 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2002 058080 |
|
Feb 2002 |
|
JP |
|
2006 0020109 |
|
Mar 2006 |
|
KR |
|
03/103290 |
|
Dec 2003 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International search report and written opinion mailed Dec. 22,
2008. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Brown; Vernal
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Seed IP Law Group PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A remote device for controlling an entertainment device, the
remote comprising: (a) a transmitter; (b) a receiver operative to
receive at least one signal from a base; (c) a processor operably
coupled with the transmitter and the receiver; and (d) a memory
operably coupled to the processor and storing data that is
duplicated in a memory of the base; wherein: the transmitter of the
remote device transmits a diagnostic signal to the base to confirm
status of the base; the receiver of the remote device receives an
indication that the base has failed in response to the diagnostic
signal sent to the base; and in response to the received indication
that the base has failed, the processor of the remote device
programs a replacement base to be controlled by the remote device
to replace the base with the replacement base, including
transmission of a functionality program in the memory of the remote
device, that is also duplicated in the memory of the base, to the
replacement base via the transmitter when the receiver receives the
indication that the base has failed.
2. The remote device of claim 1, wherein the remote is a handheld
remote control.
3. The remote device of claim 1, wherein the at least one signal is
a wireless transmission.
4. The remote device of claim 3, wherein the at least one signal is
an infrared signal.
5. The remote device of claim 3, wherein the at least one signal is
an ultra-high frequency signal.
6. The remote device of claim 1, wherein the functionality program
includes recording timers and parental lock settings.
7. A remote device for controlling an entertainment device, the
remote comprising: (a) a transmitter; (b) a receiver operative to
receive at least one signal from a base; (c) a processor operably
coupled with the transmitter and the receiver; and (d) a memory
operably coupled to the processor and storing data that is
duplicated in a memory of a second remote; wherein the transmitter
of the remote device transmits a diagnostic signal to the second
remote to confirm status of the second remote; the receiver of the
remote device receives an indication that the second remote has
failed in response to the diagnostic signal sent to the second
remote; and in response to the received indication that the second
remote has failed, the processor of the remote device programs a
replacement remote for the second remote to control the
entertainment device to replace the second remote with the
replacement remote, including transmission of a functionality
program in the memory of the remote device, that is also duplicated
in the memory of the second remote, to the replacement remote for
the second remote via the transmitter when the receiver receives
the indication that the second remote has failed.
8. The remote device of claim 1, wherein the remote has an
operating mode and a sleeping mode, wherein the sleeping mode
comprises the receiver being operational at predetermined repeating
intervals, wherein the receiver is operative to be capable of
recognizing a signal while operational.
9. The remote device of claim 8, wherein the remote is operative to
switch from the sleeping mode to the operating mode when the
receiver recognizes a wake signal from the base.
10. A base device for controlling an entertainment device, the base
comprising: (a) a transmitter; (b) a receiver operative to receive
at least one signal from a remote; (c) a processor operably coupled
with the transmitter and the receiver; (d) a memory operably
coupled to the processor and storing data, the data duplicated in a
memory of the remote; and (e) an operable connection to the
entertainment device; wherein the transmitter of the base device
transmits a diagnostic signal to the remote to confirm status of
the remote; the receiver of the base device receives an indication
that the remote has failed in response to the diagnostic signal
sent to the remote; and in response to the received indication that
the remote has failed, the processor of the base device programs a
replacement remote for the remote to control the entertainment
device to replace the remote with the replacement remote, including
transmission of a functionality program in the memory of the base
device, that is also duplicated in the memory of the remote, to the
replacement remote via the transmitter when the receiver receives
the indication that the remote has failed.
11. The base device of claim 10, wherein the base device is a
set-top box.
12. The base device of claim 10, wherein the at least one signal is
a wireless transmission.
13. The base device of claim 10, wherein the memory stores data
duplicated in a memory of a second remote and when one of the base
or the second remote fails, data in the memory of the non-failing
device is loaded into a memory of a replacement device.
14. The base device of claim 10, wherein the base is operably
coupled with an external system over a network, wherein the base is
operative to receive a signal from the external system.
15. The base device of claim 14, wherein the base is operative to
transmit a signal to the remote based on the signal from the
external system.
16. The base device of claim 15, wherein the remote is operative to
perform an action based on the signal from the external system.
17. The base device of claim 14, wherein the base is operative to
transmit a signal to the external system based on the signal from
the external system.
18. The base device of claim 14, wherein the signal is related to
repair, maintenance, diagnostics, or an operational command.
19. The base device of claim 10, further comprising: (a) an
operable connection to a second entertainment device; and (b) a
transceiver operably coupled to the operable connection in
substantial proximity with the base, wherein the transceiver is
operative to transmit signals from the base to a second remote.
20. The base device claim of 19, wherein the first and second
entertainment devices are in separate rooms.
21. A system for controlling an entertainment device, the system
comprising: (a) a base operably coupled to the entertainment
device, the base comprising a base transmitter, a base receiver, a
base processor, and a base memory that stores data; (b) a remote
operative to control at least the base, the remote comprising: (i)
a remote transmitter; (ii) a remote receiver operative to receive
at least one signal from the base; (iii) a remote processor
operably coupled with the remote transmitter and the remote
receiver; and (iv) a remote memory operably coupled to the remote
processor and storing data duplicating the data stored in the base
memory; wherein the transmitter of the base is configured to send a
diagnostic signal to the remote to confirm status of the remote;
the receiver of the base is configured to receive an indication
that the remote has failed in response to the diagnostic signal
sent to the remote; and in response to the received indication that
the remote has failed, the base processor is configured to program
a replacement remote to control the entertainment device to replace
the remote with the replacement remote, including transmission of a
first functionality program, the first functionality program stored
in the base memory, to the replacement remote via the base
transmitter when the base receiver receives the indication that the
remote has failed and wherein, the remote transmitter is configured
to transmit a diagnostic signal to the base to confirm status of
the base; the remote receiver is configured to receive an
indication that the base has failed in response to the diagnostic
signal sent to the base; and the remote processor is configured to
program a replacement base to be controlled by the remote, in
response to the received indication that the base has failed, to
replace the base with the replacement base, including by
transmission of a second functionality program, the second
functionality program stored in the remote memory to the
replacement base via the remote transmitter when the remote
receiver receives the indication that the base has failed.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the base is a set-top box.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein the remote is a handheld remote
control.
24. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least one signal is a
wireless transmission.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one signal is an
infrared signal.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one signal is an
ultra-high frequency signal.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the functionality program
includes recording timers and parental lock settings.
28. The system of claim 21, further comprising a second remote
comprising a second remote memory.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the second remote memory stores
data duplicating the data stored in the remote memory and when one
of the remote or the second remote fails, data in the memory of the
non-failing remote is loaded into a memory of a replacement
device.
30. The system of claim 21, wherein the remote has an operating
mode and a sleeping mode.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the sleeping mode comprises the
remote receiver being operational for a predetermined period of
time.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the sleeping mode comprises the
remote receiver being operational at predetermined repeating
intervals.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the sleeping mode comprises the
remote receiver being operational for a predetermined period of
each minute.
34. The system of claim 32, wherein the sleeping mode comprises the
remote receiver being operational for a predetermine period of each
second.
35. The system of claim 31, wherein the remote receiver is
operative to be capable of recognizing a signal while
operational.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the remote is operative to
switch from the sleeping mode to the operating mode when the remote
receiver recognizes a wake signal from the base.
37. The system of claim 21, wherein the base is operably coupled to
a network.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the base is in communication
with an external system over the network.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein the base is operative to
receive a signal from the external system over the network.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the base is operative to
further transmit a signal to the remote based on the signal from
the external system.
41. The system of claim 39, wherein the base is operative to
transmit a signal to the external system based on the signal from
the external system.
42. The system of claim 39, wherein the signal is related to
repair, maintenance, diagnostics, or an operational command.
43. The system of claim 21, further comprising a second remote
operative to control a second entertainment device, the second
remote comprising a second remote receiver.
44. The system of claim 43, further comprising an operable
connection between the base and the second entertainment
device.
45. The system of claim 44, further comprising a transceiver
operably coupled with the operable connection in proximity with the
base, wherein the second remote receiver is operative to receive
signals from the base via the transceiver.
46. The system of claim 43, wherein the first and second
entertainment devices are in separate rooms.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for two-way
communication relating to control of an entertainment device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Multiple component audiovisual systems are typically complex
systems requiring control of multiple components, each having
multiple functionalities and settings. As these systems continue to
increase in complexity and functionality, so too do the remote
control devices utilized to control the systems.
Many remote devices provide for control of one or more
entertainment devices or components by programming the device to be
capable of communicating with each device or component. One problem
with such remotes is that if the remote fails, another remote must
be obtained and programmed with the same information previously
contained in the original remote. Similarly, if the base fails,
another base device most be obtained and programmed with the same
information previously contained in the original base device.
Another problem with battery-operated remotes as they become more
complex, and thus require more energy for operation, is the quick
depletion of battery power. Yet another problem with systems having
multiple components and multiple remotes is that walls or obstacles
between a remote and component may cause a lack of communication
between those systems and devices and the remote. Another common
problem that inhibits successful communication between the remote
and base or entertainment device is lack of customer education
regarding programming or operating the remote.
There is a need in the art, therefore, for an improved remote
control and system for controlling one or more entertainment
devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One implementation conforming to certain characteristics of the
present invention relates to a remote device having a transmitter,
a receiver, a processor operably coupled with the transmitter and
the receiver, and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The
receiver is operative to receive at least one signal from a
base.
Another embodiment relates to a base device having a transmitter, a
receiver, a processor operably coupled with the transmitter and the
receiver, a memory operably coupled to the processor, and an
operable connection to the entertainment device. The receiver is
operative to receive at least one signal from a remote.
Another implementation is a system for controlling an entertainment
device. The system has a base operably coupled to the entertainment
device and a remote operative to control at least the base. The
remote has a remote transmitter, a remote receiver, a remote
processor operably coupled with the remote transmitter and the
remote receiver, and a remote memory operably coupled to the remote
processor. The remote receiver is operative to receive at least one
signal from the base.
According to one embodiment, a further implementation relates to a
method of preventing the loss of settings and data in a remote for
controlling an entertainment device. The method includes
transmitting data from a first base to a memory of a first remote,
such that data is stored in both the first base and the first
remote, wherein the first base is operably coupled to the
entertainment device.
In yet another embodiment, a further implementation relates to a
method of preventing the loss of settings and data in a base. The
method includes transmitting data from a remote to a memory of a
base, such that data is stored in both the base and remote, wherein
the base is operably coupled to the entertainment device.
Another method according to one implementation relates to a method
of conserving power in a remote for controlling an entertainment
device. The method includes placing a remote in a sleeping mode
after a predetermined period of non-use. The sleeping mode includes
predetermined operational intervals to detect a signal. The method
further includes transmitting a wake signal from a base to the
remote, receiving the wake signal at the receiver of the remote
during one of the predetermined operational intervals, and waking
the remote in response to receiving the wake signal.
A further implementation relates to a method of operation,
maintenance, or repair of a remote for controlling an entertainment
device. The method includes providing a base and a remote. The base
is operably coupled to the entertainment device and further
operably coupled to a network. The remote has a receiver and a
memory. The method further includes transmitting a signal from an
external system to the base via the network, and transmitting a
signal to the remote based on the signal from the external system.
In one embodiment, the signal can actuate the remote to transmit a
signal to the entertainment device or base.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, which shows and
describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a system comprising a remote and
a base operably coupled to an entertainment device, according to
one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a remote in communication with a
base, according to another embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of a system comprising two remotes
and a base operably coupled to two entertainment devices, according
to a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a two-way communication system for
the operation of at least one entertainment device. One exemplary
embodiment relates to a remote control for controlling an
entertainment device, wherein the remote can send and receive
signals and store data in its memory. Another embodiment relates to
a base such as, for example, a set-top box, that can communicate
with one or more remotes and/or entertainment devices. In a further
implementation, a system is provided having at least one remote and
at least one base in operable communication with each other for
operation and control of at least one entertainment device.
The system, according to one exemplary implementation, provides
data storage capabilities across devices that help prevent data
loss. In another implementation, the system provides energy
conservation through devices that can transition between an
operating mode and a sleeping mode and can be "woken," or switched
to the operating mode, by a signal from another device. The system
also alternatively allows integration of multiple entertainment
devices and multiple remotes across multiple rooms or other
locations and provides relatively seamless communication between a
base device and the multiple remotes despite the varied locations
of the remotes in relation to the base. Further, the system,
according to one alternative aspect, may allow communication with
one or more external systems, such as a customer service entity,
over a network.
FIG. 1 depicts a system conforming to certain characteristics of an
exemplary embodiment. The system 50 has a remote control 52 and a
base 54 that function together to control an entertainment device
60. The remote 52 and the base 54 are configured to communicate
with each other and optionally other devices, including the
entertainment device 60. In addition, the base is coupled to the
entertainment device 60 via an operable connection 62. In one
alternative implementation, the base 54 is operably coupled to an
external system 64 via network 66.
In accordance with one embodiment, certain basic components of the
remote and the base are generally the same. FIG. 2 depicts a remote
10 and base 30 capable of wireless communication with each other,
both according to one implementation. The remote 10 has a
transmitter 12, a receiver 14 and a processor 16 coupled to both.
In addition, the remote 10 has a memory 18 and a user interface 20,
each also typically coupled to the processor 16. The memory 18
stores data and the user interface 20 allows the user to control
the remote 10. That is, the user can utilize the interface 20 to
receive information, initiate transmission of signals via the
transmitter 12, and perform other operations with respect to the
remote 10. Similarly, the base 30 has a transmitter 32, a receiver
34, a memory 38, and user interface 40, all operably coupled to the
processor 36.
The memory components 18, 38 of each device can be any type of
memory. For example, the memory can be volatile or non-volatile,
magnetic, optical, random-access or other flash memory, and so
forth. In addition, the remote 10 and base 30 are capable of
transmitting any known type of signal. That is, the signal could be
a wired signal (i.e., transmitted over a wire or cable) or
wireless. The wireless signal could be an infra-red signal, a
ultra-high frequency (UHF) signal, a very high frequency (VHF)
signal, a Bluetooth.TM. signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, or
any other wireless signal.
Returning to FIG. 1, in use, each of the remote 52 and base 54 can
communicate with each other and other devices (including the
entertainment device 60) by transmitting and receiving signals. For
example, the remote 52 can transmit a control signal through its
transmitter 51 (as shown schematically by the arrow A) to the
receiver 56 of the base 54, or to the entertainment device 60.
Similarly, the base 54 can transmit signals via its transmitter 58
to the receiver 53 of the remote 52 or to another device. Each of
the remote 52 and the base 54 can also store information in their
memories 55, 57, respectively. For example, the base 54 can
transmit data via a signal to the receiver 53 of the remote 52 to
be stored in the remote's memory 55. Similarly, the remote 52 can
transmit a signal containing data to the receiver 56 of the base 54
to be stored in the base memory 57.
The remote 52 may be any remote unit operative to control an
entertainment device that has signal receiving capabilities and,
optionally, a memory. In one embodiment, the remote is handheld.
The base 54 is any base unit or device operative to communicate
with and function with the remote 52. According to one
implementation, the base is a set-top receiver. Alternatively, the
base can be a component in an audiovisual system, such as a
separate unit stacked with other components of the system. In a
further alternative embodiment, the base is integrated into a
television or an audiovisual component such as a receiver.
Any type of data can be transmitted in a signal by either device,
in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. For example, the data
could be data currently stored in the base 54 ("existing base
data"), new data intended for storage in the base 54 ("new base
data"), data currently stored in the remote 52 ("existing remote
data"), new data intended for storage in the remote 52 ("new remote
data"), data currently stored in the entertainment device 60
("existing entertainment device data"), and/or new data intended
for storage in the entertainment device 60 ("new entertainment
device data"). Such existing data could be operational or
functionality programs or any other types of data typically stored
in the appropriate device. For example, according to one
embodiment, the existing data includes identification information
that identifies the device from which it is transmitted. Further,
the new data could be for replacement or repair of a faulty
existing program, a new program, or other types of new data
providing new or enhanced operation or functionality to the device.
More specific examples of data contemplated herein include, but are
not limited to, any kind of data useful for operation of an
entertainment device or base or remote, including timer data,
recording schedules, download schedules, data relating to blocked
or locked channels, stations or functionalities ("parental lock
settings"), caller identification data, data relating to programmed
settings for an audio or visual entertainment device (such as, for
example, programmed surround sound settings, aspect ratios, etc.),
data relating to favorite channels, preset radio station data, data
relating to address, band, modulator channel, television settings
(including HDTV settings), shared view, Dolby.TM. Digital, local
channels scanned, guide display, alternate audio, time updates,
record plus, channel order, closed caption settings, inactivity
standby settings, or any other operational or functionality
data.
According to one embodiment of the system, the system is configured
to prevent or mitigate the loss of data. That is, data stored in
the memory 57 of the base 54 can also be stored in the remote
memory 55 as a "failsafe," or vice versa. More specifically, data
stored in the base memory 57 can be transmitted by the base
transmitter 58 to the receiver 53 of the remote 52 and stored in
remote memory 55. Similarly, data stored in the memory 55 of the
remote 52 can be transmitted to the receiver 56 of the base and
stored in the base memory 57.
Such dual data storage provides a backup in the event of a device
failure. That is, if either of the remote 52 or the base 54 were to
fail for any reason, the data stored in the failed device would be
available in the other non-failing device. For example, if the
remote 52 were to fail and the data from the remote 52 had been
previously transmitted to the base 54 and stored in the base memory
57, then the data would be available to be loaded into a
replacement remote. Thus, the data could be transmitted via the
transmitter 58 of the base 54 to the receiver of the replacement
remote (not shown), and thus loaded into the memory of the
replacement remote. Similarly, if the base 54 were to fail for any
reason and the data from the base 54 had been previously
transmitted to the remote 52 and stored in the remote memory 55,
then the data could be transmitted via the remote transmitter 51 to
the receiver of the replacement base (not shown).
Data can also be shared between two different remotes, in
accordance with one implementation conforming to certain
characteristics of an exemplary embodiment. According to one
embodiment, a second remote (not shown) may control a second
entertainment device (not shown). Alternatively, the second remote
may be a backup remote. Data is stored in both remotes in the
following manner. The data stored in the memory 55 of the first
remote 52 is transmitted to the second remote (not shown). The data
is received at the receiver of the second remote and then stored
into the memory of that remote. As a result, both the first remote
52 and the second remote (not shown) have the same data in their
memories and either can serve as backup to the other.
Alternatively, both remotes can be used with separate entertainment
devices with the benefit of the same stored data.
In a further implementation, the system is configured to provide
for recognition between devices. That is, according to one
embodiment, both the base 54 and remote 52 transmit identification
information that specifically identifies the transmitting device,
and the device receiving the signal (regardless of whether the
receiving device is the base 54 or the remote 52) is configured to
recognize or identify the transmitting device based on the
identification information. According to one embodiment, both
devices transmit such identification information in every signal.
Alternatively, the devices transmit the identification information
only in certain types of signals. When either of the base 54 or
remote 52 receives the identification information at its receiver,
56 or 53, respectively, the processor of the receiving device is
configured to recognize the identification information.
According to one embodiment relating to a system having at least
two bases and at least two remotes, the device recognition
capability described in the previous paragraph can be utilized to
ensure that the correct remote is used with the correct base. For
example, in an embodiment having a first base operably coupled to a
first entertainment device in a first room and configured to
communicate with a first remote (not shown), and further having a
second base operably coupled to a second entertainment device in a
second room configured to communicate with a second remote (not
shown), both bases can recognize both remotes. That is, if a user
inadvertently attempts to transmit a signal from the first remote
to the second base, the second base recognizes the first remote and
communicates to the user that the user is inadvertently using the
wrong remote. According to one embodiment, the second base
communicates this information to the user via the second base user
interface. Similarly, if a user inadvertently attempts to transmit
a signal from the second remote to the first base, the first base
recognizes the second remote and communicates to the user that the
user is inadvertently using the wrong remote.
According to one embodiment relating to device recognition, once
the base has communicated the error to the user, the system of this
embodiment can provide the user with at least one of three options.
One option would be for the user to obtain the correct remote.
Another option would be for the user to allow the base to reprogram
the remote to operate with that base by transmission of information
from the base as described in further detail elsewhere herein. Yet
another option would be for the user to allow the base to contact
an external system over a network to obtain a corrective
instruction from the external system (such as, for example, a
signal that programs the remote to operate with both bases), as
also described in further detail elsewhere herein.
According to a further alternative, the device recognition
capability can be utilized with a system having any number of
remotes and bases.
Another embodiment provides communication for purposes of routine
maintenance or diagnostics. For example, according to the
embodiment, the base 54 transmits a signal to confirm the presence
of the remote 52 within an operational range of the base 54. The
signal is transmitted to the remote 52 and may prompt the remote 52
to transmit a confirming signal back to the base 54. In the event
that the remote 52 is not within operational range of the base 54
(that is, the remote receiver 53 fails to receive or acknowledge
the signal because the remote 52 is outside a communication range
with the base 54, is in another room, has experienced an
operational failure of some kind, or for any other reason), the
remote receiver 53 will not receive the signal and/or the remote
transmitter 51 will be incapable of transmitting the confirming
signal back to the base 54. When the base 54 has not received the
confirming signal from the remote 52 for a predetermined period of
time, the base 54 can so indicate to a user via the user interface
59. For example, according to one implementation, the base 54 emits
an alarm or provides some other kind of notification to the user
that the remote 52 is not responding to its diagnostic signal. In
addition, the base 54 can operate in a similar fashion to determine
the status of one or more entertainment devices or one or more
additional remotes. Alternatively, a similar routine maintenance or
diagnostic signal can originate from the remote 52 and operate in
the same fashion to confirm the status of the base 54, one or more
entertainment devices, and/or one or more additional remotes. In a
further alternative, the routine diagnostic signal is transmitted
from one device to another to confirm that the data stored in the
devices match, and if the data does not match, that information is
provided via the user interface of one of the devices.
Another embodiment of a system is configured to conserve energy at
the remote. The system 50 depicted in FIG. 1 will be used as an
exemplary embodiment. The remote 52 has an operating mode and a
sleeping mode. In one aspect, the remote 52 consumes less energy
while in the sleeping mode. "Sleeping mode," as used herein, is
defined as a state in which the device consumes less energy than
while in the operating mode.
In the sleeping mode, according to one aspect, the receiver 53 of
the remote 52 is operational for some predetermined period of time.
For example, in the sleeping mode, the receiver 53 may be
operational at predetermined repeating intervals. In one
embodiment, the receiver 53 is operational for a predetermined
period of each minute in the sleeping mode. For example, in one
aspect, the receiver 53 is operational for two seconds and then
non-operational for eight seconds in repeating intervals.
Alternatively, the remote receiver 53 is operational for a
predetermined period of each second in the sleeping mode. While
operational, the receiver 53 is capable of recognizing a signal.
Thus, if any signal is transmitted towards the remote 52 while the
remote is in the sleeping mode, the receiver 53 would recognize
that signal during the operational phase of the sleeping mode.
According to one embodiment, the remote 52 is "awakened" from its
sleeping mode by the transmission of a wake signal from the base 54
to the remote 52. That is, the signal is transmitted from the
transmitter 58 of the base 54 and detected by the remote receiver
53 during an operational phase of the receiver 53. The signal is
processed by the remote and causes the remote 52 to wake. In other
words, the remote 52 switches from the sleeping mode to operating
mode. Alternatively, the wake signal can be transmitted from
another device, such as a second remote (not shown).
In a further alternative embodiment, the base 54 has an operating
mode and a sleeping mode as described above for the remote 52 and
can be "woken" by a signal from the remote 52 or another remote or
device. In yet another alternative, the same type of
energy-conserving sleeping mode and waking functionality can be
provided for any one or more entertainment devices. In still
another alternative, each of the remote 52, the base 54, and the
entertainment device 60 have a sleeping mode and operating mode.
For example, all three (the remote 52, the base 54, and the
entertainment device 60) can be in sleeping mode and can be "woken"
by a signal from any one of the three or from another device. In
one embodiment, a user can actuate any of the devices to transmit
the signal that causes one or more of the devices to switch to
operating mode.
FIG. 3 depicts another system conforming to certain characteristics
of an exemplary embodiment that includes more than one
entertainment device and thus more than one remote. In this
embodiment, a base 74 is coupled by operable connection 78, 84 to
two different entertainment devices 76, 82. The base 74 and
entertainment device 76 along with the remote 72 are in room A
while the second entertainment device 82 and the second remote 80
are in room B. Remote 72 can transmit signals to the base 74 and
the entertainment device 76. More specifically, the remote 72 can
transmit any wireless signal, such as an infrared, UHF,
Bluetooth.TM., RF, or VHF signal, to either of those devices. Thus,
the components in room A operate in generally the same fashion as
the components depicted in FIG. 1. On the other hand, in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the remote 80 in room B cannot
successfully transmit all types of wireless signals to the base 74.
That is, while the remote 80 can transmit certain signals directly
to the base 74, such as a UHF signal, the remote 80 cannot transmit
certain other signals, such as an infrared signal, to the base
74.
To overcome this communication limitation relating to additional
remotes and entertainment devices, the system shown in FIG. 3
includes a transceiver 86 that is operably coupled to the operable
connection 84 between the base 74 and the entertainment device 82.
The transceiver 86 is capable of transmitting or receiving signals.
As such, the transceiver 86 facilitates the remote 80 and the base
74 transmitting and receiving signals between each other despite
being in different rooms (or in any other configuration that
prevents transmission and receipt of direct IR signals between the
two devices). For example, the remote 80 can transmit a signal to
the receiver 86 which is then received at the base 74 via the
operable connection 84. According to one embodiment, the operable
connection 84 also includes a separate signal inline 88, which
provides a separate line for the base to receive the signal that
was received at the transceiver 86. Similarly the base can transmit
to the remote 80 by transmitting a signal along the operable
connection 84 and then transmitting that signal from the
transceiver 86 to the remote 80. It is understood that the operable
connection 84 can be configured in any fashion that provides for
communication between the transceiver 86 and the base 74. It is
also understood that this embodiment could be used in several types
of environments beyond devices in two rooms. As such, any
environment in which a second remote cannot successfully transmit
signal to or receive signals from the base would benefit from this
system. For example, the same general configuration could be used
in a multi-room home or business having a single base and multiple
entertainment devices and associated remotes.
It is understood that the transceiver 86 is exemplary. According to
an alternative embodiment, any component capable of transmitting
and receiving signals can be operably coupled to the operable
connection 84. In a further alternative embodiment, separate
transmitter and receiver components can be operably coupled to the
connection 84. Further, one of skill in the art would understand
that the transceiver 86 can be positioned anywhere in the
configuration so long as it is still capable of exchanging signals
with the second remote 80. That is, the transceiver 86 can be
integrated into the second entertainment device 82, attached to an
external portion of the entertainment device 82 and operably
coupled to the connection 84, or otherwise positioned in any
fashion that still permits operable connection to the base 74 and
communication with the second remote 80.
A system according to another embodiment provides for more than one
base, each in communication with each other and with one or more
remotes and one or more entertainment devices in a fashion similar
to the various system embodiments described herein.
Returning to FIG. 1, another alternative embodiment of a system
provides for communication with an external system. That is, the
base 54 can transmit signals to and receive signals from an
external system 64 over a network 66. In one embodiment, the
network 66 is a local area network. Alternatively, the network 66
is the Internet or a proprietary satellite downlink. In a further
alternative, the network 66 is any network that allows for
communication with at least one external system 64. Communication
with multiple external systems 64 is also contemplated.
In one exemplary embodiment, the external system 64 is a provider
system such as a system operated by the company that marketed the
system depicted in FIG. 1 or by a customer service entity related
thereto. For example, a user of the system 50 might contact a
customer service representative regarding some maintenance, repair,
or operational issues. In this example, the company or customer
service entity utilizes the communication between the external
system 64 and the base 54 to remotely operate the system 50. More
specifically, the service representative or other service provider
can use the external system 64 to remotely provide hands-on
assistance and operational input relating to the system 50. For
example, the service provider can activate the system 64 to
transmit a signal over the network 66 to the base 54. This signal
may be related to installation, operation, maintenance, repair,
diagnostics, or enhancement of the system 50. In one embodiment,
the signal transmitted to the base 54 includes instructions to
transmit a signal to the remote 52. This signal is transmitted by
the transmitter 58 to the receiver 53. The signal might include
instructions for an action at the remote 52. That is, the remote 52
is actuated by the instructions in the signal from the base 54 to
transmit a signal, or perform some other action, related to the
operational, repair, maintenance or diagnostic issue initially
raised by the user. The signal transmitted from the remote 52 may
be a signal transmitted to the base 54, the entertainment device
60, or some other device.
Alternatively, the signal transmitted to the base 54 from the
external system 64 includes instructions to transmit a signal to
the entertainment device 60 or to another device such as a second
remote (not shown) or another entertainment device (not shown).
That is, the signal from the external system 64 can be used to
activate communication between the base and any other device in
operable communication with the system 50.
Further, this system 50, according to one embodiment, also
facilitates the base 54 transmitting a signal to the external
system 54. For example, a response signal may be transmitted to the
external system 64 upon completion of the action originally
received as an instruction from the external system 64.
Alternatively, any other exchange across the network 66 can be
accomplished that may provide some operational, repair,
maintenance, or diagnostic action for the present system 50.
In one embodiment, the signal transmitted from the base 54 to the
remote 52, in addition to or alternatively to including
instructions that remote 52 perform an action, could include data
to be stored at the remote 52, such as data relating to a new
function. As such, the signal would be received at the receiver 53
and then stored in the memory 55 of the remote 52. In a further
alternative, the signal transmitted from the base 54 could include
any data or instructions that might be useful for the operation,
maintenance, repair, or diagnostics of the system 50.
In addition to utilizing the external communication capabilities
provided in the system 50 for purposes of enhanced customer service
support as discussed above, the external communication capabilities
could also be used for any situation that might call for exchanging
signals between the system 50 and an external system 64. For
example, an authorized service provider, such as an entity
responsible for system maintenance and repair, might regularly
transmit a diagnostic signal to the base 54 that activates the base
54 to run a program or perform an operation that reviews or
analyzes the status of each device on the system and transmit the
status information back to the external system 64 of the service
provider. In another example, the network 66 connection could be
used to enhance the system 50 with an upgrade. That is, the system
50 could be upgraded with enhanced functionalities or capabilities
by transmitting from an external system 64 a signal containing a
program or other data to be stored in the memory 57 of the base 54
or in the memory of another device of the system 50 (such as the
remote 52), wherein the program or other data includes enhanced
functionality or capability. In yet another example, the external
communication capabilities can be used for installation of new or
replacement data in a new or existing device. That is, a signal can
be transmitted from an external system 64 that contains data
relating to operational or functionality programs to be loaded into
a new device. Or, the signal can contain data relating to
replacement operational or functionality programs to be loaded into
an existing device. In addition, any other type of signal
transmission between an external system 64 and the system 50 of
FIG. 1 that provides for operation, maintenance, repair, diagnosis,
or improvement of the system 50 is contemplated herein.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize
that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
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